Infrastructure and public services on Ovalau require significant improvement despite the island continuing to function with its existing basic services.
This has been stated by Ro Filipe Tuisawau following a Fijian Media Association Levuka Town Hall meeting where residents raised a wide range of concerns.
Speaking after the meeting, Ro Filipe says that while communities are managing with existing roads, water and other essential services, there is a clear need for better government service delivery and sustained investment over the coming years.
He says the Government recognised the issues raised by residents and is working to address them through its budget process and long-term planning.
Ro Filipe says Ovalau has considerable potential for growth, particularly in tourism and agriculture, given its proximity to Viti Levu.
He announced that the proposed reopening of the Bureta Airstrip had been confirmed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Fiji Limited as part of ongoing development plans.
He also says Ovalau's port has been included in the Government's national ports development programme alongside planned upgrades for Suva and Lautoka.
While acknowledging that the island continue to operate with its current services, Ro Filipe says improvements are needed across infrastructure, healthcare and education.
Among the issues raised during the town hall meeting was the shortage of government staff accommodation, particularly for teachers and other civil servants.
He says the Government will review policies relating to civil service housing while exploring partnerships with the private sector to improve accommodation for public servants and their families.
Water supply challenges affecting several villages were also identified as a priority.
On energy, Ro Filipe says Energy Fiji Limited was working with the World Bank and other development partners to expand renewable energy projects.
He says efforts were also underway to strengthen Fiji's legal and regulatory framework while preparing the technical systems needed to support renewable energy developments already in the pipeline.
